City of Lake Forest Park

17425 Ballinger Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
www.cityoflfp.com
206-368-5440

November 2020

Mayor Jeff Johnson

Mayor’s Corner – Let’s Wrap up the Year Safely

As we move into winter, we have all heard about the increasing numbers of COVID cases in Lake Forest Park, our state, and the nation. During our holiday celebrations, let’s please all keep this in mind. I encourage the community to join me in adjusting expectations and celebrating safely, in small household groups.

If we all take measures to protect ourselves and our families, those measures will also help protect our neighbors. I look forward to resuming our community events and programs in 2021, as we move into subsequent phases of the state’s reopening plan. Together, we will make it through to better days and a better 2021.

I know the Lake Forest Park community is a caring one that will continue to support our local businesses and remember those less fortunate. If you are able, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.

In whatever form they take for you and your family this year, I wish you happy holidays.

--Mayor Johnson

A guide to gathering: fewer, shorter, smaller, safer.

LFP Small Business CARES Act Grants Available through Partnership with Shoreline Chamber of Commerce

The City of Lake Forest Park has partnered with the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce to provide grants to small businesses within the City to help offset the impacts of addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chamber will serve as the portal for the application and funds distribution processes.

Please click here to view application instructions and review information about qualifying businesses and eligible expenses. When accessing the link to the application form, users will need to log in with a Google account.

Applications are due to the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce by Friday, December 4, 2020.

If you have any questions, or cannot access the Google Form, please contact the grant administrator: lfpgrant.shorelinechamber@gmail.com.

Photo of part of McAleer Creek, with vegetation on the banks

Invasive Removal along McAleer Creek

Restoration of a Section of McAleer Creek

The Lake Forest Park Tree Board has recognized invasive species as one of the detriments to the health of our urban canopy. English Ivy for example, suppresses and excludes vegetation better suited for wildlife and native plant species.

In fall 2019, the Lake Forest Park Tree Board applied for and received a grant for $45,000 from the King County Council, administered by King County Waterworks. The goal of the grant is to restore a section of McAleer Creek along Perkins Way to improve the creek’s water quality and aid in the restoration of Kokanee salmon. The grant was officially awarded in May 2020, and the project started shortly after. The grant-related work must be completed by December 31, 2022.

After grant approval, the Tree Board and City contacted the affected landowners to obtain permission to access their property for the proposed work. These permissions were all granted by August 2020. During the summer, five ecological restoration companies were invited to bid on the project. Applied Ecology was selected to perform the removal of the invasive plants along the Creek.

Applied Ecology treated invasive plants for four days in August, using both physical removal and targeted herbicide applications. Invasive larger trees and/or shrubs such as English Holly and Laurel were injected with pellets of herbicide. Aquatics-approved herbicides were employed on the ground surface, and care was taken ahead of their use to isolate and protect native plants already in the area. Those invasive plants overhanging or right beside the creek were not sprayed but were left for later removal by hand. The company conducted this hand removal over a three-day period in November.

Further invasive removal is scheduled for summer 2021, followed by native plant restoration plantings in both fall 2021 and in winter and fall of 2022.

Council Corner - Thinking about the Holiday Season

As we focus on the holiday season, with all the worries about the surge in COVID-19 cases in our state and across the world, I hope everyone in Lake Forest Park is considering how to care for each other and reduce the risk of transmission of the virus within our family, friendship circles, and wider community. My heart goes out to all those in the community struggling with these decisions, concerned about family who are lonely or already ill, or mourning the loss of loved ones.

I am also deeply concerned for the nurses and doctors and other health professionals who have borne a heavy burden these last several months, and who are facing an even more serious situation in the coming weeks. Some of these folks are our friends and neighbors and I hope you will send words of support and encouragement as they face the weeks ahead, and do all you can to lighten their load.

There is hope on the horizon with the announcement of the positive findings on at least two vaccines. We look forward to learning more about the vaccine development and distribution plans and will keep the community informed.

In the meantime, let’s also have a care for our planet as we plan our holiday celebrations. Lake Forest Park is a member of the King County Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C). One of our shared goals is to increase recycling and composting of yard and other organic waste, and reduce the amount of trash we send to the landfill.

Here are some tips for the holidays to help your household meet these important goals:

Make sure your plastic, glass, and metal recyclables are Empty, Clean, and Dry. This prevents contamination of recycled materials – especially paper – so everything can be re-used and re-purposed.
Plastic bags, flexible plastic packaging, bubble wrap, plastic mailers and other plastic film can be recycled, but do not belong in the blue recycling bin collected at the curb by Republic Services. Here in LFP, you can find a bin for these items outside our local grocery store in the Town Center. Other locations can be found at plasticfilmrecycling.org.
Paper and Cardboard goes in the blue bin, but nothing smaller than a business card (including shredded paper). Please do not leave cardboard outside in the rain – it develops mold and contaminates a whole bale, requiring that bale to be sent to the landfill.
Plastic Coated Paper Packaging and Metallic or Shiny Plastic Packaging such as potato chip packaging and take-out food containers that are plastic lined cannot be recycled and must be placed in the trash.
Tetra Pak (juice paks and broth containers) can be recycled as there is a specific recycling market for these items, but most Paper Cups are not recyclable because they are lined with a plastic coating and have had food or liquid in them.
Styrofoam and Styrofoam peanuts peanuts are often accepted at local mailing businesses. Polystyrene blocks (aka Styrofoam (R)) must be dropped off at collection events, King County Transfer Stations, or collected by local recycling businesses.
Yard Waste and Food Waste go in the green curbside bin, collected every week. No rocks or dirt, but everything else from your yard is composted along with all kitchen food waste and what is left over on your plate including bones and used napkins. Food soiled paper (including pizza boxes) can also be composted. The only food items that are not good for the green bin are soups and grease.
Gift-wrapping paper. Avoid papers with glitter, foil or that are glossy, as they cannot be recycled. There are good alternatives out there that can be recycled – or you can reuse gift-wrap to avoid sending it to the landfill for at least another year.

So please celebrate wisely and have a great holiday season. For more information, here is a link to King County Holiday Recycling.

--Deputy Mayor Phillippa Kassover

City of LFP Seeks Volunteers to Serve as Non-Law Enforcement Community Representatives

The City of Lake Forest Park is currently seeking volunteers from the Lake Forest Park community who are willing to serve as non-law enforcement community representatives, if an independent investigation becomes necessary to investigate the use of deadly force by a Lake Forest Park police officer.

Washington’s Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act (LETCSA) requires that an independent investigation team (IIT) investigate any use of deadly force by a police officer when it results in death, substantial bodily harm, or great bodily harm. The goal is to enhance accountability and increase trust between law enforcement and the community.

The IIT will consist of a team of qualified and certified law enforcement investigators and at least two non-law enforcement community representatives—possibly from the area where the incident had occurred. The Mayor and City Administrator will work with the Lake Forest Park Police Department Administration to appoint up to ten individuals to a roster. If an independent investigation is required, two or more individuals will be selected from the roster to serve on the IIT. The IIT will operate independently of any involved agency to conduct the investigation.

The IIT will conduct the investigation in the same manner as a criminal investigation. State law requires that the investigation be completely separate from the involved agency. Enabling community members to assess whether the investigation process is conducted in a trustworthy manner enhances accountability.

The non-law enforcement community representatives are a vital link between the IIT, the community, and the investigation. Once state regulations are published in January 2021, the community representatives will participate in the selection of IIT investigators, review conflict of interest statements, be present at briefings, have access to the completed investigation file, be provided a copy of press releases and communications prior to their release, and review notification of equipment use by the involved agency. Community representatives will sign a binding confidentiality agreement.

If you are interested in applying to be a volunteer non-law enforcement community representative, please fill out the online application by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020.

Example of downed power line

Power Outage Season is Here!

While most power outages only last for short periods of time, major outages from stormy winter weather can leave you without electricity for several days. Report outages to Seattle City Light and only call 9-1-1 if there is a life safety or emergency issue, such as a downed power line. Find out how you can be ready. For more tips, head to: https://www.cityoflfp.com/431/Wind-Power-Outages.

Sewer Rate Increase for 2021

Your sewer bill is made up of two parts. King County assesses a fee for the cost of the disposal of the sewage – the operation of sewage treatment plants and the maintenance of the facilities. The county portion is the largest part of the bill. In 2021, the county charge will increase from $45.33 to $47.37 per month; the City portion will remain the same for 2021, at $19.02 per month for single family residences. As a result of the increase by King County, a residential bill will increase from $128.70 every two months to $132.78.

For more information, visit the City website: https://www.cityoflfp.com/276/Sewer-Rates

Pet Licensing – Update on Current Licensing and Renewal Options

Do you have any furry friends keeping you company during lockdown? Normally, you can visit us at City Hall to apply for or renew your pet licenses. However, while City Hall is closed to the public, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) offers several alternatives to keep those fur-babies legal:

Online*: kingcounty.gov/pets
By phone*: 206-296-2712, Monday – Friday, 8:30-4:30.
By mail: King County RALS

Attn: Pet Licensing
500 4^th Avenue, Room 403
Seattle, WA 98104

In-person**:
- QFC at 15^th Avenue NE & NE 145^th Street (1531 NE 145^th Street, 98155)
- QFC in Richmond Beach (600 NW Richmond Beach Road, 98177)
- Petco in Kirkland (10042 NE 137^th Street, 98134)
- Worthington Licensing Agency in Bothell (11035 NE 183^rd Street, 98011)

*There is a small convenience fee when renewing with a credit or debit card online or by phone.
**Each in-person facility may differ in the payment methods accepted.

Don't let porch pirates get your packages!

Protect Yourself from Mail and Package Theft

At this time of year, there is typically a rise in theft cases here in Lake Forest Park. With the rise in online purchasing, it is important to take steps to protect yourself from mail and package theft.

Be sure to bring packages in as soon as they are delivered

Here are some steps you can take:

Track your package / request email alerts
Try to pick a date and time for delivery
Require signatures
Ship to a location you know someone will be available to receive it
Use the delivery locker option
Provide specific instructions on where packages should be left

Be a good neighbor:

If you see anything suspicious, call 9-1-1
Report thefts to the LFP Police Department immediately; all calls to PD will be routed through dispatch. Records staff are not able to take phone reports.
Know your neighborhood and what is and is not suspicious (vehicles, residents, etc.)

Prepare for Winter Weather

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has issued the following friendly reminder that cold weather is upon us. Now is the time for travelers to make sure they’re prepared for winter driving.

WSDOT encourages travelers to visit their winter driving webpage for tips and information. They always ask travelers to "know before you go" and get the most up-to-date roadway information before heading out. Here are some resources:

Download the WSDOT mobile app.
Follow WSDOT's regional and pass accounts on Twitter, the agency's Facebook site and online travel alerts.
Sign up for email and/or text updates about road conditions – text alerts about Snoqualmie Pass delays is a subscription option.
Download, print and carry the WSDOT Winter Driving Guide (PDF 2mb).
Get your vehicle ready (PDF 1.1mb) and plan extra time to cross all mountain passes, including heavily traveled routes such as Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass and White Pass.
Carry chains and know current traction and chain requirements for mountain passes, which are also available on highway-advisory signs, highway-advisory radio and by calling 5-1-1.
Preset your radio to 530 AM and 1610 AM for WSDOT's traffic-information stations.

Reminder – Time to Change Batteries in Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you haven’t checked the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors lately, it’s time!

Did you know that smoke alarms have an expiration date? After 10 years, it’s time to change the whole thing and install a new one. Many new alarms have a 10-year battery. While batteries in this type of smoke alarm don’t need replacing, please test the alarm monthly.

If your alarms start chirping, they need new batteries. If they continue to chirp, they need to be replaced.

This drains here - water draining into storm drain

Public Works Aids Salmon Recovery in Local Creeks

Lake Forest Park is fortunate to have two salmon-bearing streams flowing across its terrain and connecting with Lake Washington. Along with this piece of good fortune is a responsibility and duty to protect and preserve the natural waterways and the aquatic life that occupy them. For many years, the City has endeavored to re-establish a healthy salmon population in both of its Creeks.

Part of the problem exists at the surface. Where water (rain) meets pavement, it has the potential to wash dirt and chemical grime into a nearby storm drain, which then outflows to the creeks. The general rule is “only rain goes down the drain;” however, this often doesn’t occur without help. Our Public Works crew works diligently with the use of a street sweeper and other equipment to keep these surfaces (108 lane miles) and pipelines clean of the oils, brake dust and carbon residuals left behind from passing vehicles. Other water quality work that might go unnoticed is storm drain inspections and maintenance, pollutant discharge elimination and installation of best management practices to keep our local waterways clean.

As a local resident of Lake Forest Park, you can help by doing your part:

Promptly fix oil/fluid leaks on vehicles and equipment;
Wash your car at a carwash facility or on your lawn (where water will filter into the ground and not become runoff);
Pick up pet waste, bag it, and throw it in the trash;
Keep hazardous material containers in a safe, dry location where spills and runoff can be avoided.

These simple tasks, while not always obvious or visible, help keep our waters clear and clean for the local salmon and other aquatic life to enjoy! For more information on how you can help save the environment, go to: https://www.cityoflfp.com/181/Environmental-Programs

Recycling at Home – Empty, Clean, and Dry!

What happens when you leave your recycling lid open? Mold, and moldy and wet paper can no longer be recycled. That’s why your recycling must be empty, clean, and dry.

What’s the best way to clean your recycling? Add some water, give it a good shake to remove all the food particles, and empty it all out. Repeat if necessary until clean. Then, leave the open container on the counter to air dry. Recycle properly, and repeat.

Remember, just because you want something to be recyclable doesn’t mean it is, but there is no need to stress! When in doubt, refer to the attached guide from Republic Services to find out what goes in the recycling bin and what does not.

Keep Current on City News

Want to keep up with what’s going on at the City? There are several ways to stay informed about City meetings, events, and news? Click here for subscription options.

City Council Agendas (regular meetings and work sessions)
City eNewsletter
Early Recreation Registration
LFP Times (quarterly print newsletter)
Planning Announcements
Town Center Vision
Emergency Alerts
Bid/RFP Postings
News Flash
Events Calendar